Almost every friend I have who blogs usually says the same thing to me after they?ve done it a few weeks. “Who am I to think that people want to read my thoughts? It?s kind of arrogant isn?t it?” I always answer, “Yes, it?s very arrogant, but don?t worry, that feeling passes.”
It passed for me a long time ago. Blogging is no longer something I?m trying out or experimenting with. It has become a part of who I am.
I?ve been blogging for just over four years. The first blog I remember reading was Jordon Cooper?s. Fifteen minutes later I was over at Blogger starting up my own. There was something about blogging that resonated with me immediately. I liked the idea of being able to give people a look behind the scenes of a preacher?s life. I know that sounds incredibly dorky and more than a bit presumptuous, but when I was growing up, preachers didn?t seem real to me. It?s always been important to me for people to know that in so many ways I?m just like they are, except that I?m arrogant enough to want to stand up in front of them and tell them what I think and on some days tell them what they should think. I also saw it as a great way to share resources and stimulate thinking.
As I review my archives, I see that I?ve gone through some predictable stages. There was a time when all I did was link to other people?s stuff on the web. Then I got into reporting every funny thing my boys said. Then I started writing more serious reflections. I also like to give lengthy quotes from books that I like. There have also been posts about movies and the required comments from other Christians who can’t believe I’d admit to watching, much less recommend a movie that has “x” number of f-bombs in it. (Does someone actually sit in the theatre and count each bad word?) Lately, I haven?t had much energy for anything at all. It?s almost vacation time though and I?m hoping to re-appear in a few weeks with a fresh burst of energy. Seems to me I could do a better job of mixing up the posts a bit. The blogs I like to read have a nice variety of random links, humor, thoughtfulness, and book references.
Blogging has been a tremendous blessing for me. I?ve met people online and in person that I would have never met otherwise. I?ve been able to field test some ideas that weren?t ready for a sermon or a class yet. I?ve participated in a larger conversation about life, culture, and Christianity that would have been impossible to formally coordinate.
Thanks for reading.
Telling Stories, Asking Questions, Learning Lessons
Wade, your blog is a blessing to me and MANY others……so keep em coming brother! Congrats on making it four years.
In HIM,
DU
Blogging is like weight lifting and foreign languages, got to love it!
Peace.
I like to blog because…
-it gives me a way to keep in touch with my friends around the country
-it provides an outlet for my normally reserved personality (for some reason I find it easier to be transparent using the written word and this medium)
-it provides a chance to share the gospel with people (I love to look at my blog map and see where they are located)
-it encourages me to read, to pray, to study, to share
-it allows me to “meet” people like Wade
-it allows me to read the thoughts of people as they pursue faith
Wade, my wife and I have found that frequency of blogging matters, too! Other bloggers (friends) don’t realize that we just want to know what’s going on in their lives…even if it seems mundane to them! Sometimes people wait for YEARS until a GREAT inspiration hits them and they write it down. But a lot of great things are in the small,everyday stuff, too! I wonder if some great writings have been thrown away because the author didn’t think they were great. Keep blogging…even if it doesn’t seem like your best work!!!
I WANT TO BE A BLOGGER, AND HAVE MY OWN PLACE TO POST MY THOUGHTS. SO MY QUESTION IS WHERE DO I GO TO SET ONE UP? THIS IS A UNIQUE WAY TO GAB… AND WITH MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS SPREAD OUT AROUND THE COUNTRY I’M INTERESTED IN THIS… SO WADE ALTHOUGH YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHO I AM, COULD YOU POINT ME TO THE USEFUL DIRECTION OF BLOG LAND…
THANKS
MARY DAUGHARTY
THERABEAR.ORG
Just don’t stop!
Wade I find myself echoing Carl?s thoughts.
Blogging for me has kept me in touch with so many people. It?s encouraged me to read, pray, study, share and read the thoughts of other people as they pursue faith.
Putting my thoughts into words has forced me to define what I believe to be true. Honestly sharing about my thoughts, feelings, and actions has made me accountable to those I openly share with, and those anonymous readers who peak in on my life.
Along with the journals I have kept since I was young it provides a record of who I am and what I believed a particular times and places in my life.
Blogging has allowed me to be transparent in a way that few people allow themselves to be seen. Journaling in such an open format has only brought me great blessings and encouragement to become a better person.
While I know my blogging has enraged a few people I also know it has been a source of encouragement and inspiration for others.
I find myself blogging more now because my brothers are reading it. They are now at a point in their faith journey that they are asking the same questions I was a decade ago. Reading about my experiences in rediscovering the love Christ and following Him is helping them find the courage to do the same.
I have enjoyed getting to know you through your writings. I appreciate that you walk your talk. Even better for me is knowing you and serving Christ along side you. I pray blessings over you and your family during your vacation. I hope you experience renewal and affirmation.
May God continue to bless you and your ministry, Wade.
I too have found wonderful friends who are a source of inspiration and encouragement. I have also found that we have allot in common in our struggles.
Thanks for blogging Wade. Yours was one of the first blogs that encouraged me to start.
By the way, are we related? (-:
Check out http://www.screenit.com for the f-bomb count and other movie/lyric info parents may enjoy being privy to before lettin’ the little ones go it alone… if at all… You’ll have to scroll down and click on “Sample Review 2” to get a good idea of how the reviews work… or you can pay the subscription fee for what used to be completely free 🙁
J
I started reading your blog after another referenced your sermon series “Christ Clones” (?) when you were in the northwest. My own blogging began as I had to start one on blogger in order to post a message on yours as you talked about growing up in West Texas.
You are a pastor and you preach to two flocks…one in Tulsa and one here in cyberspace. That’s not arrogance, that’s following the Call. It’s obedience to the Gospel and you serve it well.
Preach on!
You’re one of the reasons why I started blogging.
I’ve found that blogging is allot like prayer. I usually blog about what is on my heart and what I am in prayer for. This past week is a prime example. Sometimes, blogging is just about fun though. To me the best bloggers are just real about their lives. That’s for sharing yourself Wade! I look forward to reading more.
I enjoy the ongoing conversation that blogging induces. No time for meeting face to face and “talking”, but I do have time for short bits of communication about what you are reading and thinking about. I also follow others blogs for the same reasons. I comment on what strikes a chord with me and otherwise just think about what was written. I have also used Russel Heil’s blog to encourage him in a difficult time and I don’t know him personally, just in the context of the kingdom. I also see my bible reading as kind of “blogging” with God. Usually choosing a few scriptures or one idea to think about. Have a great vacation!
Thanks for these observations regarding blogging. As a “newbie” to the wonderful world of blogging, I find your insights quite beneficial. -bw
I’m misty-eyed. The first blog I read was by a guy named Wade. I didn’t really care what this guy had to say in college, but my tastes had changed some so I thought I would give him a read. He talked about his kids beating up other kids at a Chick-fil-e. I knew the art form of blogging was destined for greatness at that moment.
Are you going to Pepperdine?
Thanks for the blessing of your writing. I love the way you tackle difficult subjects with love and grace and the way you help us all feel normal by talking about some of the stupid movies we all love (but are afraid to admit it, but not me.)
The best thing about blogging for me is going back and reading what I wrote a year or so ago….The accountability of someone reading makes me record things that I otherwise would forget all about. I know it is somewhat arrogant, but I feel responsible to produce something on a regular basis.